5:25 PM,
Jun. 6, 2013

In this file photo, Assembyman Steve Katz, R-Yorktown, looks toward reporters March 15 at Yorktown Town Hall after he read a statement about being issued a ticket for marijuana possession and speeding. He declined to answer questions about the incident and his voting record, including a vote last year in which he opposed medicinal use of marijuana.

Written by

Steve Katz

As one of only two Assembly members with a professional background in health care, I feel compelled to discuss my recent affirmative vote for A.6357, legislation allowing medicinal use of marijuana in New York.

In a representative republic, such as ours, my voice and votes have been consistent with the values of my district. Voting on this bill last year was one of the most difficult decisions I have experienced as a legislator. I remember debating the pros and cons of this bill with my wife and my family, but ultimately, as a freshman legislator, I chose to vote the way I thought I was supposed to ...